Yesterday’s election, the first round of five, went off without a hitch. There was record turn out, with long lines everywhere brimming with people eager to participate in the selection of leaders directly for the first time in 17 years. This morning we awoke to the news that one political party, the party currently in power, won 70% of the total vote. These are preliminary results, but they are pretty firm and have little chance of changing. The president’s party won big, even with 15 political parties competing. All political parties were present for vote counting and such, even external observers, and all are declaring a fair election. There were no skirmishes or incidents during the day, throughout the night or any angst expressed this morning. So this is great news – the first election was a success in that it was deemed fair and provoked nothing but record participation!

This gives us great confidence for the election rounds remaining in the cycle, including the presidential election in late June. Since it is the president’s party that won by a landslide yesterday, there is a strong sense that the people are behind him and will also support him in the presidential election. People all seem to agree that the vote was fair, so there is confidence that their political will is being witnessed, welcomed and will bear good fruit. So any fears that people had going into yesterday’s election are slowly being quelled. There is a swelling sense of confidence today in Bujumbura… and that is good news.

Thank you for praying Burundi through this election season. It is a landmark on the political landscape of the country, and your faithful prayers for the people of Burundi move us toward a better future filled with peace and democracy.

Tags: Burundi